Birthday bag

Another quick knit, but for an adult this time.

It's called a make-up bag, but I reckon it could pretty much be used as a bag for whatever you want to put in it. Made it for a friend's birthday, it used up a rather small quantity of yarn and can be completed in probably half a day (I only spent an hour or less a day on it though, so it took longer).

Personally, I'm not too keen on knitted bags, but the friend likes it and so that's all that matters! And any opportunity to use a fabulously blingy-button!

Pattern here.

Once again, if you've read this far, care to give me a scoop please? You don't have to sign up to anything or give away your email address. More info here.

Majority wins

I was also given the opportunity to reflect one form of democracy in the same business meeting that I mentioned yesterday.

Motions were passed based on the number of people who voted for it. So if the majority of people voted for something, a decision will be made along the lines of what they voted for.

But is the majority always right? Just because a huge number of people support something doesn't mean it's a good idea right?

I mean, Hitler had a huge number of supporters. . .

And if you've read this far, care to give me a scoop please? You don't have to sign up to anything or give away your email address. More info here.

What leaders are made of

After a weekend meeting with a group of some 300 people in what could be summarised as an organisation's business meeting, I have come to the conclusion that I can never be a leader because of a flaw I possess - the inability to see the good in everyone.

There were much discussion that resulted from a variety of reports that were presented by the leaders during the meeting. People were questioning decisions made and being critical of a variety of things. On top of that, there were those who were also trying to provide suggestions as to how to run the organisation better. And it was because of these interactions that I have decided that I will never be a leader.

Instead of being defensive about the criticism, these leaders took it with grace and humility.

Instead of retorting what sounded like a stupid remark with sarcasm, these leaders responded with dignity and understanding.

Instead of laughing in the face of what seemed like crazy suggestions, these leaders saw the passion and reasoning behind them.

For the best part of the time, the response of these leaders actually managed to placate everyone, even if they were sitting on opposite sides. The leaders appeared calm and collected, never getting frustrated, annoyed or dismissive.

And that's why, I can never be a leader.

And if you've read this far, care to give me a scoop please? You don't have to sign up to anything or give away your email address. More info here. Thanks!

Please help me win

Update: I forgot to mention that giving of scoops can be done once every day until the competition ends (October 14), so if you feel generous, giving of scoops every day will be immensely appreciated.

Seems like my all-time favourite ice-cream company Ben & Jerry’s have just started a competition that I really want to win (grand prize = trip to Vermont, Ben & Jerry's HQ!!).

The only catch is that the competition requires friends of the contestant to give them “scoops” and I don't have any friends! Ok, I do, but I'm still low on scoops.

So I need help. If you are reading this, you are morally obliged (ok, you're not, but it would be nice if you did) to click this link - http://www.voyagetovermont.com.au/profile/2458abff - and when it brings you to a web page, click on the “give me a scoop” button.

The more scoops I get, the closer I get to being ranked #1, which means the closer I get to winning! You don’t have to sign up to anything, give out your email address or anything. You just have to click that one button.

Please?

Stripey baby set

I promise, this will be the last baby set in the seemingly unending baby sets that I've been making.

Well, until the next order comes along I suppose.

Clay face mask

The bottom left package in orange and green was sitting on my desk when I arrived at work this morning, surprisingly bigger, heavier and chunkier than I thought.

Well, actually, I lie. The package was in a brown paper envelope. It wasn't only after I ripped open the envelope that I saw the package. But I digress.

In the package lay my "reef red clay mask" bought from New Earth Soaps. No special significance as to why I bought from them, besides the fact that I was looking for a face mask, wanted something "handmade" and sold near where I lived. A browse on (I heart) etsy resulted in discovering them.

So apparently, the mask "will give your skin the wonderful glow of health and well being. It’s high iron content and essential minerals help to replenish and regenerate the epidermis of the skin to create soft and healthy glowing skin."

In all honesty, I don't actually know if things like face masks work or do anything to increase the health and well-being of one's skin. But what I do know is that it just makes one feel oh-so-pampered, especially when soaking in the bath, while reading a good book!

Orange marble baby set

After the yellow baby set, we now move on to the orange marble baby set. The hat pattern is the same, although the booties pattern is slightly modified and done in the round instead (minimal seaming!) and so is done in stocking stitch instead of garter stitch.

And I actually found buttons that matched the yarn perfectly! What are the chances?

Booties pattern here (Ravelry download).

Armageddon

What is probably the funniest phone call I have ever received:

Caller: Hi, I'm calling about an article that you guys published. I would like several copies of it.

Me: Sure, what is it?

Caller: The title is Armageddon (sounds like something we would publish) and it is written by Bruce Willis.

Me: (are you for real?) Er, you sure it was written by Bruce Willis? Not perhaps Bruce Manners?

Caller: Nope, I'm sure it's Bruce Willis. W-i-l-l-i-s.

Me: Maybe if you can tell me what's on the cover, I can locate the article?

Caller: Yes, it's got a picture of two men and a lady.

Me: (this does not sound like our magazine. We only usually feature one person on the cover) Do you know who they are?

Caller: No, that's what I'm calling to find out. I want 1000 copies to give away.

Me: You sure it's Signs of the Times magazine?

Caller: No.

Me: What does it say on the front of the magazine?

Caller: Armageddon. It's got two men and a lady on it.

You mean this "magazine"?????????

Yellow baby set

I first made this set in pink (booties and hat) and was recently asked by a friend to repeat it as a gift to her friend's baby.

Given the colouring of the baby, I thought a pale yellow would be a better match and have had to make it slightly bigger as well as the child is older.

A really enjoyable knit the second time round, and I think I'm also mastering the art of seaming.

I must try to use the leaf in the hat in something else some time.

Lattice scarf

I love mixed media creations where you make something with unexpected materials, so when I came across the lattice stitch knitting pattern, I immediately knew I just had to use it to insert some ribbons.

I bought the yarn ages ago when I first learned how to knit and could not really think of something to knit it with. However, I thought it was perfect for this use. The yarn is a thick and thin and the texture really lent itself to the scarf. I especially love just how soft, warm and light it is. And of course, being in black means it practically matches everything!

You can own this scarf!